When Chad Henne signed with the Jaguars in March 2012, he probably didn’t project making 19 starts and a whopping six relief appearances during the two-year contract.That activity should place him in the upper tier of an otherwise dreadful free agent quarterback class when the market opens Saturday for talks and Tuesday for signings.

But while he remains unsigned, all indications are that the Henne and the Jaguars will reach an agreement later this week.

Henne has value to the Jaguars and has expressed a desire to stay.

Last year, Henne played in 15 games (13 starts), throwing 13 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He had a 4-9 record.

“Chad did an admirable job,” general manager Dave Caldwell said. “We feel like another year in our offense with some more playmakers and better offensive line play, he could keep us afloat.”

Better offensive line play: Free agency. More playmakers: The draft. Keeping the Jaguars afloat: The idea of Henne starting Week 1 would be difficult for fans to accept regardless of which quarterback is drafted and in what round, but that could be the team’s plan.

But there are no other in-house options.

Blaine Gabbert’s inability to stay healthy – combined with his performance – finally cost him the starting position midway through last year. He remains under contract for a guaranteed $3.8 million but has long been written off. He remains on the roster as insurance for a possible Henne exit.